Livestock data are not available for Nasirabad district only. Census data and even the latest livestock projections are covering both Jaffarabad and Nasirabad district. The livestock data in the table are drawn from a livestock consultancy report of April 1997, in which the data on both districts are multiplied with the factor 0.5, based on the distribution of livestock over the districts.

The large ruminant sector, including cows and buffaloes, provides a backbone to the villagers. Buffaloes are held for dairy purposes in areas with enough water available. Cows are successfully held in areas with sufficient fodder. The district has potential for cattle farming. The species of cows called Bhaq Narri is very popular. For the promotion of Narri breed, a cattle farm has been established in Jaffarabad.

In urban areas, cattle is not much used for draught and transport purposes. In the rural areas of D.M.Jamali sub-division, they are used along with tractors, motor-cycles/cycles. In Chattar sub-division cattle is frequently used as a means of transport. In rural areas, donkeys are commonly used to fetch luggage and water.

People are fond of growing small ruminants, including sheep and goats. It is the major source of livelihood in Chattar. An average herd comprises seventy to hundred goats. According to the Livestock Department, the use of goat for dairy purpose is common in rain fed areas. In the command area people mostly have cows instead of goats or sheep for dairy purposes.

The private poultry sector has grown. There are around 40 poultry farms in the district. It is a source of income for people from the lower and middle classes. The poultry sector could increase more, if loans were made available to the farmers. Many rural households, one out of seven, are engaged in poultry-farming. Poultry-farming is a woman’s job. She looks after the poultry and sells eggs and chickens on nearby markets or to middle men. The total number of poultry units in the district is 341,887.

People breed pigeons and quails as a hobby.

The most common diseases are two viral diseases: Black water quarter and Anthra. There are three kinds of parasites, liver fluke, wire worm and lung worm, who live in both large and small ruminants. Diseases like enterotximia, caprice pneumonia and sheep pox are common in small ruminants. A common disease in poultry is New Castle, which can result in the death of a large number of chickens. A New Castle attack is more likely on "farmi" (both broiler and layer) than Desi (domestic) chickens. In general the public has little knowledge on how to prevent diseases.

There is a separate Veterinary Officer for disease control in Nasirabad. In total there are 18 veterinary dispensaries, but 9 of them are not functioning due to lack of staff and proper buildings. There are two Management Extension Officers.

The Livestock Department at the district level is headed by an Assistant Director in BPS 18. There are three veterinary doctors: one for disease control, one for artificial insemination, and one in charge of the veterinary hospital in Dera Murad Jamali. The Deputy Director Office is located in D. M. Jamali.

The livestock potential in the district is not explored in large. The area has a potential for cattle farming. The Livestock Department complains of a shortage of funds. The dispensaries are in precarious condition. Out of eighteen dispensaries, nine are not functioning. There is a lack of awareness amongst people for vaccination and preventive measures.

Because of livestock potential, NGO-donor agencies, International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) and Balochistan Rural Support Programme (BRSP) have shown support for the promotion of the sector.

In the development of livestock in the canal command areas of Jaffarabad and Nasirabad the role of Pat Feeder Canal Area Development Project looks promising. The project has funds for the livestock sector to promote vaccinations and disease treatment; the establishment of 19 dispensaries and livestock development for 150 villages. The project also will extend the functioning of mobile camps.

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